A non-stop, fast-moving metropolis with one of the world's most recognisable skylines, Hong Kong has a scintillating atmosphere that's almost impossible to describe - you have to see it, smell it, feel it. With fabulous shopping and dining, and an ever-changing landscape, it's a beacon of modernity. But there's plenty of tradition and history to discover too, in its festivals, museums and temples.
In a nutshell
Whether you stay on the Kowloon Peninsula or Hong Kong Island, you can whizz between the two in minutes, the Star Ferry being the most exhilarating method. It's cheap and easy to get around Hong Kong, via the Mass Transit Railway, buses and taxis. And don't forget your feet, helped along considerably in Central District by the world's longest escalator - join the office workers as they slide to work! Shopping is a major pastime here. You can indulge everywhere, from bargain markets to posh department stores. With 10,000 restaurants, eating out is a joy, but choosing is difficult! There's family fun at the world's newest Disneyland, and the nightlife features everything from quiet bars to state-of-the-art dance clubs. For a cultural fix, visit the Museums of History and Art, and take a tour of the heritage sites. Need a relaxing breather? Follow locals into one of the massage schools for an hour or two of acupressure magic.
Getting there
Flight Details - Virgin Atlantic flights to Hong Kong depart daily from London Heathrow. flying time Approx 12 hours 30 min to Hong Kong.
Flight Upgrades - Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy available from £325 supplement per person each way. Virgin Atlantic Upper Class available from £1,125 supplement per person each way.
Flight Supplements - Weekend flight supplement Fri/Sat/Sun £20 per person each way at all times.
Private Transfer Supplements - Upgrade your seat in coach airport transfer to a private vehicle, min 2 passengers.
Kowloon hotels £48 per person return
Hong Kong Island hotels £53 per person return
Time Difference - GMT +8 hours
Currency - Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
Visa Requirements - British citizens do not require a visa for travel.
Language - The official languages are Cantonese and English.
Additional info
Heritage and Culture
Hong Kong loves festivals and, of course, Chinese New Year is world famous. The Dragon Boat Festival in June, with races across the harbour, is great fun. Admire classical Chinese art and calligraphy in the Hong Kong Museum of Art, and step back 6,000 years in the Museum of History. Join a heritage tour of sights such as the Man Mo Temple and Kowloon's Walled City, learning about its chequered colonial history.
Gourmet Paradise
From the international fine-dining restaurants of the top hotels, overseen by world-famous chefs, to the street-side seafood vendors of the night markets, Hong Kong offers a culinary cornucopia. The shopping malls have great-value Chinese eateries, and for a great dim sum lunch of prawn dumplings and the rest, try famous Yung Kee. Get into tea culture, or 'yum cha', and remember: slurping your noodles is compulsory!
Shopping
In this great centre of commerce, shopping is almost a religious thing. Look for the QTS logo as an assurance of quality, particularly when buying electronics. Most goods are tax free, and in smaller shops you can barter, market style. Top malls include The Landmark and The Galleria. For atmosphere though, nothing beats the bustling open-air markets such as Temple Street. Check out the jade markets, too. nightlife Head for Lan Kwai Fong, in the heart of Central, for top nightlife. Mingle with Hong Kong's well-heeled professionals in its bistros, delis and jazz clubs. In Kowloon, you're spoilt for choice with the fast-food cafés and restaurants, many of which open until midnight. Temple Street Night Market is great for street food, cooked right in front of you and washed down with a bottle of cold Tsingtao beer.
Spectacular Cityscape
This is one of the most famous skylines on earth, with the Bank of China Tower and the Central Plaza among the icons. Take a FREE Architecture Walk to learn more about it all. In many hotels, it's worth upgrading your room just for the views. To look down over everything, take the charming Peak Tram up to the top of peaceful Victoria Peak. There's a great restaurant up there, too, with more fabulous views.
Families
Hong Kong's very own Disneyland is the world's 5th, and newest. Look forward to Broadway-style shows, firework displays, thrilling rides and exciting parades - all set amongst classic Disney attractions. Ocean Park, situated on Hong Kong Island, is a theme park and animal habitat all-in-one, including the new jellyfish aquarium and giant panda exhibit.
Weather and climate
